SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The Christmas lights strung in the trees, on the houses and around the homemade hockey rink on Lundquist Road were hung in memory of Ken Frew, a former resident of the street, who drowned in August while trying to save a teenage boy.

Santa's in the driver's seat on Lundquist Road, driving the neighbourhood to their third win in four years in the city's Christmas lights competition. - Nicole Veerman/NNSL photo

"This year we dedicated our lights to our neighbour who drowned over the summer," said Dave Kellett, whose home sits at the end of the road. "Two years ago he helped me string the lights all through the willow trees, so now we think of him when the lights in the trees go on."

Lundquist Road was one of the winners in the city's Christmas lights competition this year. This is their third win in the neighbourhood category in four years, said Kellett.

"We were thinking of Ken when we did it this year," he said.

Kellett said the prize money will be donated to one of Ken's favourite charities. So far a few suggestions have been made, but a charity hasn't been chosen.

The city presented five other awards for the best lights at the beginning of the month.

Dayle Handy and Darcy Hernblad at 165 Rivett Crescent were the winners of the best residential home.

With wood and stain salvaged from the dump, Handy and Hernblad created their winning Christmas lights display that features Monty, Milton and Muskeg - three wooden bull moose lined with lights.

Handy, the coordinator of the Yellowknife Homelessness Coalition, said the best part of participating and winning is having Yellowknifers visit to take a peek at her home.

"Every night we have got tons of people driving through the cul-de-sac," she said. "There's even been parents with baby strollers coming up and taking pictures with their children. It's been amazing. It's actually really fun to see."

Handy and Hernblad had one moose last year that was such a hit they decided he needed some "brothers."

This was their first time competing in the city's contest.

"We absolutely love Christmas lights," said Handy, who added Hernblad was anxiously waiting for November, so he could put them up.

Other winners include, 80 Hordal Road for best mobile home, Negus Place for alternative, Legal Registry for best commercial interior and The Harley Davidson Boutique for best commercial exterior.

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